Round 1: Helena Deland v. The Innocence Mission

[baystateoftheart]

Seed #19:

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Someone New by Helena Deland

Nominated by: revolver94
Genres [RYM]: Indie Pop

Seed #20:

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

See You Tomorrow by The Innocence Mission

Nominated by: craola
Genres [RYM]: Indie Folk, Folk Pop

Instructions:

If you have not already, please listen to both albums in full before voting. Share your thoughts and/or your vote in this thread. This poll will be tallied in no fewer than twenty-eight days. See Tournament Spreadsheet for the full bracket.
_________________
Add me on RYM

[Fischman]

The Innocence Mission is more attractive to my ear.

[kokkinos]

Helena Deland is a charmer, can’t explain how or why, but it is what it is.
See You Tomorrow was ok, but didn't stand out in any particular way for me.
Someone New gets my vote.
_________________
Bob Dylan
Charles Mingus

[craola]

I nominated it, but I just got to say this Innocence Mission record does things to me that Helena’s album doesn’t do to me. Innocence, no contest for me.
_________________
follow me on the bandcamp.

[RoundTheBend]

this is a really tough matchup actually... They are very similar imo. Both saturated with melancholy. Musically similar... idk... I might just have to listen more.

[EyeKanFly]

Agreed that these 2 albums are very similar. In a way, I guess that made it easier to pick one. They were both very appealing, but I think I prefer Deland's voice slightly more, and the backing instrumentation was very good as well.

I voted for Helena Deland but am happy to have listened to The Innocence Mission as well. Both were new to me and I'm glad I got to enjoy to each.
_________________
51 Washington, D.C. albums!

[meccalecca]

If Craola hadn't nominated it, I may have nominated See You Tomorrow rather than Red Sun Through Smoke. I listened to no band more than the Innocence Mission in 2020. Karen Peris' precious voice is transcendent, and the slow, melancholy arrangements are beyond thoughtful. The Innocence Mission formed in the late 80s, and carved out a sound all their own. Some of their earliest stuff still reminds me of the Sundays' magical dream pop that came a few years later. They've steadily released exquisite records that fall just beneath the radar while continuing to please their devoted fan base (which includes Sufjan Stevens), and their most recent 2 albums may very well be the best of their 30+ years. This is some of the most emotionally pleasing songs I've ever heard. Peris' voice can bring me on the verge of tears while simultaneously comforting me.

The Helena Deland album is nice, but comes nowhere near the transcendence I get from See You Tomorrow.
_________________
http://jonnyleather.com

[Repo]

[baystateoftheart]

The title track of Someone New is the best song in this matchup, and the only track I can see myself returning to semi-regularly. Just a great song. There are a bunch of other very good songs on the album too, but unfortunately it's too front-loaded and contains some filler. The second-half fade brings it to a light 3.5/5. See You Tomorrow is a more consistent record, which is a double-edged sword. While the vocals and instrumentals are beautiful, there are no real standout tracks, leading to a better but less memorable listening experience. This is the second album I've heard from The Innocence Mission, and I prefer their 1995 indie pop effort Glow. Just like Deland's album, their 2020 project gets a light 3.5/5, enough for my vote by a hair.
_________________
Add me on RYM

[LedZep]

That Innocence Mission album is lovely! Easy vote as I didn't really connect with Helena Deland's songwriting. I've heard of Innocence Mission before but this is my first try at one of their albums and I'm excited to listen to earlier stuff. Thanks for nominating it craola.
_________________
Finally updated the overall chart

2020s
90s